Top Contender Pensee Du Jour Ready for Upcoming Challenge at Diane Event
Pensee Du Jour puts unbeaten record on the line at Prix de Diane
The highly anticipated Prix de Diane is almost upon us as Pensee Du Jour prepares to defend her unbeaten record and lofty reputation at Chantilly this Sunday. The filly has already won three races with a combined winning distance of 13 and a half lengths, making her an exciting contender for trainer Andre Fabre’s fifth win in the fillies’ Classic.
A Backwards Filly Turned Progressive
Owned by Ballymore Thoroughbreds, who also had Miss France trained by Fabre to win the 1000 Guineas in 2014 and guided Persian King to multiple Group One victories, connections are optimistic that Pensee Du Jour will continue her progressive ways following a short break. Racing manager for Ballymore, Anthony Stroud stated:
“She was a backwards filly last year and Andre thought he could win some black type early on this year. Then she developed and developed and she won three races.”
After winning those races quite quickly with different jockeys each time, it would be nice if things stayed consistent for Pensee Du Jour. Stroud continued:
“I thought she won nicely and in a progressive way (in the Prix Penelope). She has had to make the running in her three races and it would be nice if she didn’t.”
Rivals Include Oaks Winner Soul Sister & Poule d’Essai des Pouliches Victor Blue Rose Cen
If you’re looking forward to seeing how Pensee Du Jour fares against others then you’ll be interested to know that her potential rivals include Oaks winner Soul Sister and Poule d’Essai des Pouliches victor Blue Rose Cen at this stage. Stroud admitted he would like some rain in the coming days as Pensee Du Jour’s previous wins have come with cut in the ground.
“I would hope she will handle the ground OK, but I would love to see a thunderstorm come along,” continued Stroud. “I would like there to be some sort of rainfall. She’s never run on this ground but we know she goes with a bit of ease in the ground, so I would like a thunderstorm to appear.”
Can Pensee Du Jour Win Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe?
If Sunday’s Classic mission proves successful, then considering Fabre’s impeccable record in Europe’s richest middle-distance contest and Pensee Du Jour’s proven attributes on soft ground, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe could prove an enticing proposition later in the year for Ballymore Thoroughbreds. Although preferring not to get ahead of themselves, Racing manager Anthony Stroud is allowing himself to briefly dream about such races later in the season:
“I’m sure she will have a break and we will see how she is and then we will be advised by Andre. Of course there is the Prix Vermeille and Arc itself, but it is important not to get ahead of ourselves”
18 Fillies Remain In Contention
A total of 18 fillies remain contenders for Sunday’s race including Running Lion who was withdrawn at Epsom previously,Caernarfon,Oaks fourth Never Ending Story,Jannah Rose,and Left Sea among others.
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